Book Club Picks – Rachel Reads & Reviews

Book Club Picks

Author Highlight: Greta Gilbert

In all my historical romances, I haven’t really sat down and read those from the brand that epitomizes the romance genre. Harlequin romance. While it has the expected glut of regency rakes and highlanders in its catalogue, I was surprised to find out that they have a diverse range of historical periods. Moreso than the…
Plans for 2026

Last year I had said that I was going to dial back on reading. I really, really meant, yet ended up reading over 800 books. I blame the economy, with little employment opportunities, there is only one to spend your free time. However, this time I really mean it. I’m gearing up for more job…
Reading Log 2025

I know, I know, I said earlier this year I’d cut back on the reading. I didn’t reach a thousand, but I clearly didn’t stick to my goal. I blame the economy for not giving me a job to fill my time. Currently stands at 839 Any who, reading is better than drugs and I…
Book Highlight: A Woman’s Place

While the phrase “go back to the kitchen” has a negative connotation, one can’t deny that women have been the heart of the hearth and home, feeding generations and bringing communities together. It’s invisible compared to the manly man world of professional cooking, and the three sections- Innovators who popularized or introduced dishes to continents…
Nonfiction Books

In Star of the Show, the culminating book in Dolly Parton’s photographic trilogy—following Songteller (lyrics) and Behind the Seams (fashion)—the global superstar finally shares a definitive look at her career as one of the world’s most dazzling and beloved performers. Featuring engaging stories and memories from Parton’s dynamic life behind the microphone, this book spotlights her signature performances and star-making…
Karito Kids

Karito Kids was a line of 21″ dolls representing girls from different countries around the world. The world “karito” means “charity” and “love of one’s neighbor” in Esperanto. 3% (or $3) of the purchase price of the 21″ dolls went to Plan USA, a charity that helps children around the world. The purchaser could choose to…
Book of the Month: Murder at an Irish Chipper

Siobhán’s brother Eoin’s new family restaurant, The O’Sullivan Six, is so close to opening—but waiting on the necessary permits plus the heat of July in the village of Kilbane in County Cork is driving everyone a bit mad. Macdara Flannery comes to the rescue with a plan—take a holiday by the sea and stuff themselves with fish…
Book Highlight: Girls to the Front

From the big stage to the US Navy, from laboratories to the boardroom, from the Olympics to the pages in books, these girls and women lead every line. Bold, bright, and empowering profiles by Geisel Honor–winning and #1 New York Times bestselling artist Niña Mata place these incredible changemakers at the very front and inspire readers to…
Book Highlight: Ayesha Dean Mysteries

It took me awhile to get my hands on this Australian series, but I’m very glad I did. Ayesha Dean is vibrant new heroine in the teen sleuth genre, following in the vein of Nancy Drew. That is if Nancy Drew knew taekwondo and found mysteries at every vacation spot. Obviously, she’s not an exact…
Book of the Month: Outlander

The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is just back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an “outlander”—in a Scotland torn by war and…